Hi, newbie here. Long time Cummins afficianado. Here's a recent problem. The back two engine bolts are missing. Dodge says it happens from time to time. But losing the back two at the same time? I've had seven of these trucks and this is first for me. It's on a 01 D3500. Has anyone else experienced this?

 

Welcome, "Noobie" ;D
If you're refering to the exhaust manifold bolts, yes that is very common.
There is a TSB from Dodge about installing straps acrss the heads of the bolts to keep them from backing out.

Here's the link to the TSB

http://dodgeram.info/tsb/2001/09-002-01.htm

 

I was missing the rear Ex. manifold bolt. Dodge put the keepers on per the TSB. Doesn't work on all the bolts..but fronts and rears.

 

Great! Thanks. Like I said, with seven Cummins powered trucks, this is first one with this problem. I noticed an increased amount of engine blowback that caused to discover them missing. I suppose the valve cover gasket has to be replaced too?

 

[quote author=induchman link=board=4;threadid=21704;start=0#msg203286 date=1067475636]
Great! Thanks. Like I said, with seven Cummins powered trucks, this is first one with this problem. I noticed an increased amount of engine blowback that caused to discover them missing. I suppose the valve cover gasket has to be replaced too?
[/quote]

??? Which bolts are missing?
The valve cover shouldn't have to be removed to install manifold bolts.

 

The back two (upper and lower) had to be put in and the valve cover gasket was replaced. $40 to me. I asked the dealer if this wasn't covered by Cummins. They said no. I said, check with Cummins. Never heard back, even tho I called them on it.

 

Its to late now, but the valve cover gasket is reuseable.

 

You have to watch the straps as well, for I now only have the #1 cylinder exhaust manifold strap.
Mike

 

Yeah, well it didn't look like it could have been saved and it's done now. Dealer didn't know about the TSB or was playing dumb when I went there this am. I wish I could go back to my old dealer in WY. They were on the ball.